www.protectyourimages.com is a Java-based protector that seems to be effective. There are other tools available - try searching the web for "image protection" or similar.

Limiting access to your images folder normally requires access to server administration tools which most web hosts do not provide. You might be able to find a server-side script (in a language such as ASP or PHP) which could provide a way around this (e.g. put the images in a private folder that the script serves the images from).

I think watermarks are effective (and difficult to remove) if they are across a large part of the image. A simple eBay ID in the corner can simply be cropped or blanked out. The only problem is that the more prominent they are the more they get in the way of the image itself.

Having said that, they do address the "print screen" approach, which very easily bypasses all other types of protection if the image thief is prepared to do a little editing work.

I created my own logo with Photo Impact and scaled it to different sizes depending on the picture. I created 4 different sizes as I sell jewelry.

The program allows me to see and example preview beforehand. I just make sure when I take my pictures the item is centered so my logo display over the center of the item. You can choose the level of transparency for your logo with a slider.

you can use an image editor to place a watermark., could be your logo over a prominent part of the picture you adjust the transparancy to suit ..BUT a neat trick is to create a second image same size as the one your showing and place it over top . WHAT you say how will they see the item then... well the top image is transparent..... and anyone saving the image will get a transparent gif..

If you always do what you always did....You always get what you always got

the software from www.alienfiles.net has the option to show a message when somebody tries to copy your images. you can choose to show no message (nothing happens when you right click) or you can type your own message, like 'copyrighted' or 'leave alone'...

Hi guitarfxr, steve's post was a while back so I will answer that for you.

There are (at least) a couple of ways, either using a table or a div. Here are examples and code.

An attempt to copy these images by doing a right-click 'Save Image As' will result in the transparent spacer being saved, rather than the image underneath.

Note that any image protection can be overcome by a determined hacker. They can always turn off JavaScript and look at the HTML or do a screenprint, so I would combine your protection efforts with a watermark - which will be hard work to remove if prominently placed.

PS. I wouldn't use the transparent gif method to show a watermark as the image below can still be stolen. The watermark must be embedded in the image itself.

Most of the solutions suggested here are merely an annoyance to anyone wanting your image...

If you want to protect the images stored on the server and in cache, consider using encrypted images that are displayed in a security applet. I'm surprised the option is not mentioned here because its been available since 1998.

If you want to further protect images from screen capture and printscreen, that solution is also available.

Of course there are workarounds to these solutions, but they have been the most secure solutions available since 1998 and it doesn't get better... no-one has comparable solutions despite their claims to the contrary.

Banks and online surveys use these solutions because they are the best available!